Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is a group of laboratory tests that measure proteins, sugar (glucose), and other chemicals in the fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.

Alternative Names:

Cerebrospinal fluid analysis

How the test is performed:

A sample of CSF is needed. A lumbar puncture , also called a spinal tap, is the most common way to collect this sample. For information on this procedure, see lumbar puncture . Other methods for collecting CSF are rarely used, but may be recommended in some cases. See also: